PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

Lagos Assembly summons commissioner, VC, others over certificate racketeering The Lagos State House of Assembly, yesterday, resolved to invite Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Akibu, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Senate of the institution and other top staff over allegations of extortion and certificate racketeering levelled against the school. Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, while noting that the source of the story could be suspicious, resolved that the concerned officials should be summoned to brief the chamber to save reputation of the tertiary institution. “I agree that the committee should invite those to be invited to establish facts about the allegation, but we must not because of that destroy our institution’s reputation,” Obasa, an alumnus, adding that anyone found wanting would be sanctioned. Moving the motion under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, a lawmaker, Owolabi Ajani, told his colleagues that there was need t

 31 govs shun amendment, financial autonomy for state Assemblies • Only Delta, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, enjoy full financial independence • Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Benue, nine others have partial autonomy • Soremekun, Ajayi warn against emasculation of legislature In clear disregard of constitutional provisions, at least 31 governors are yet to concede financial autonomy to the legislative arm of government in their states. Findings by The Guardian show that Houses of Assembly in only five states – Lagos, Delta, Plateau, Oyo, and Nasarawa – currently enjoy a semblance of full financial independence. Twelve others have partial autonomy. They are: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Enugu, Kogi, Kwara, Bauchi, Ogun, Osun, and Rivers. However, those without any shade of financial autonomy are: Ondo, Katsina, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Ekiti, Abia, and Imo. Others are Bayelsa, Anambra, Ebonyi, Niger, Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa and Kaduna states. Recall that last we

The King, accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen, has opened Parliament for the first time since his Accession in a ceremony steeped in tradition and symbolism. Watch video and more photos below. 

Nigeria receives $133m grant to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis Nigeria has received a grant of $133 million from the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria from January 2024 to 2026. The Acting Executive Secretary, Country Coordinating Mechanism for Global Fund Nigeria, Ibrahim Tajudeen made this known in Abuja on Monday during a press briefing on the impact of the global fund and other partners on NAFDAC’s regulatory system strengthening. The Global Fund is an international financing institution dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Mr Tajundeen said Nigeria was able to secure the grant because of the judicious use of previous grants. Giving the breakdown of the grant received from the Global fund for the period of 2021 to 2023, the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye explained that out of the $2.3 million received, over $1 million was used for tracking and tracing of vac

Abiodun Approves Appointment Of Four New Perm. Secs The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of four new permanent secretaries into the state public service. This was announced in a statement signed by the state's Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun on Tuesday. The new appointees are; Mrs Roseline Oluwatoyin Jacobs (Director, Administration and Supplies, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter Govermental Affairs); Mr Samuel Olugbenga Oyeleye (Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Information and Strategy); Mrs Kehinde Omobola Akinola (Director of Protocol, Bureau of Protocol and Ceremonies) and Mr Oladipo Foluke Ogunfowora (Director of Administration, Ogun State Television). According to the statement, the appointment was based on merit, professionalism, inclusiveness, and seniority in the state's public service in tandem with the provision of section 208 (c) of the 1999. "The new appointees were carefully selecte

 SERAP threatens to sue Tinubu, Uzodimma over attack on Ajaero The Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project has threatened to sue President Bola Tinubu and the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, over an attack on the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero. Ajaero was last week arrested by the police ahead of the state-wide protest in Imo State. However, the police denied arresting Ajaero, stating that he was merely taken into protective custody to prevent a mob attack. Uzodimma, however, accused the labour leader of meddling in the political affairs of the state. “We’re suing the Tinubu administration and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, over the brutal attack on NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, last week in Imo State, and the failure of the authorities to bring suspected perpetrators to justice,” SERAP announced on its X handle on Tuesday. MAGIC FM reports Organised labour comprising of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Un

Court reserves judgment in Kano gov’s appeal The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to challenge his removal by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. A three-member panel of judges led by Justice Oluyemi Osadebay sacked Yusuf on September 20, 2023, by declaring 165,663 of his votes invalid because they were not signed or stamped by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The governor’s votes were then reduced to 853,939 while Yusuf Ganuwa retained his 890,705 votes. Yusuf had rejected the tribunal verdict, which he described as unfair and a miscarriage of justice, and headed to the appeal court. At the hearing of the appeal on Monday, the lead counsel for the appellant, Wole Olanipekun urged the court to set aside the judgment of the lower court While disagreeing on the ruling on ballot papers, the senior lawyer says this was the first time in history that a tribunal will annul an e

NSCDC EXPRESSES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR VANDALISATION IN ZAMFARA STATE   The Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, has expressed zero tolerance for vandalisation of any sort in Zamfara State. The State Commandant of the Corps, Commandant Sani Mustapha made this known when he addressing the Association of Scraped Products Buyers in Zamfara State.  Sani Mustapha reiterated the resolve of the Corps in the State to deal ruthlessly with any one found vandalizing government and public utilities using the extant laws of the Federation. He advised the Association to collaborate with the Corps in order to fish out bad eggs and perpetrators of such crimes in their business acrose the State.  The Commandant also charged the leadership of the Association to desist from buying any goods suspected to have been vandalized or having questionable identity. Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Alhaji. Aminu Abbah who led the group, said the Association is ready to

LAWMA’S ENFORCEMENT AGAINST CART PUSHING The ban on cart pushing is still in force, residents are admonished to shun cart pushers, who through their activities deface the environment, by dumping waste at unauthorised locations like road medians and canals. Patronise only assigned PSP operators and pay your waste bills, for a cleaner, healthier and livable environment.  

PRESS RELEASE NPF REITERATES WARNING AGAINST NAME-DROPPING, IMPERSONATION, OTHER UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES The Nigeria Police Force remains deeply concerned about recent reports concerning the activities of certain individuals who are operating as middlemen, acting as negotiators on behalf of individuals involved in criminal activities currently in police custody. These individuals have been exploiting the names of high-ranking police officers, including that of the Inspector-General of Police, to intimidate and coerce others. The NPF strongly encourages all Nigerians to be vigilant and exercise discernment when approached by anyone using the names of senior police officers, as this practice not only undermines trust in the Nigeria Police Force but also poses a significant threat to the integrity of our justice system. Furthermore, the Force wishes to emphasize its unwavering commitment to the high standards and principles upon which the Nigeria Police Force is built. We firmly caution membe

Canadian Embassy Suspends Operations In Nigeria Canadian embassy has suspended operations at its embassy in Nigeria until further notice and issued a warning against nonessential travel to the west African nation, joining the United States and United Kingdom. The embassy issued a travel advisory, warning against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including capital Abuja, “due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings.” Following the fire accident at the embassy on Monday, The High Commission did not comment on the fire but said in a post on social media site X, it had “temporarily suspended operations until further notice.” Western countries in Nigeria routinely issue travel warnings, which the government often dismiss as lacking merit On the fire accident, President Bola Tinubu in a statement prayed for the repose of the departed souls and wishes all injured persons a

Nigeria is safe, open for foreign investments - Minister  The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reassured the international community that Nigeria is safe and welcomes foreign investments and tourists to explore and benefit from its potential. Idris shared this information during a meeting with senior media editors and executives in Abuja on Monday. The Minister was reacting to the US Embassy’s travel advisory about an increased threat to major hotels in Nigeria’s larger cities. According to the Minister, all countries face various challenges, such as economic, political, gun violence, or social and cultural issues. Mr Idris maintained that it was not proper to generalize isolated incidents to the entire hospitality industry. The Minister of Information and National Orientation said such advisories as those of the US would only create unnecessary panic and could adversely affect the nation’s economy as well as undermine the government’s efforts to at

Anthony Taylor to take charge Chelsea vs Man City game despite demotion to Championship  Anthony Taylor is set to return to officiate Chelsea and Manchester City's clash this weekend despite being demoted to the Championship last week. Just over a week ago, Taylor awarded Newcastle United a penalty in their 2-2 draw against Wolves when he ajudged striker Hwang Hee-chan to have brought down Fabian Schar inside the box. A lengthy VAR check ensued, but Taylor's initial decision to award a penalty, which looked incredibly harsh, stood. But, that then led to the 45-year-old being demoted to the Championship last weekend, where, unfortunately for Taylor, he dropped another clanger while officiating Preston North End and Coventry City's clash. On 41 minutes, Taylor awarded a penalty to Preston after Coventry's Kyle McFadzean brought down Milutin Osmajic in the box - only for replays to show there was minimal contact. Alan Browne dispatched the spot kick as Preston went on to w

 NLC, TUC summon extraordinary NEC meeting over Wednesday strike Ahead of Wednesday’s nationwide strike, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have summoned an extraordinary National Executive Council, NEC, meeting. During the meeting, the organized labour will review the modalities of the planned strike following the attack on the National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, review the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Federal Government and the Organized Labour on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the subsidy on fuel. TUC’s National Vice-President, Tommy Etim, disclosed the summon on Tuesday. The organized labour had on Friday last week, issued a five-day ultimatum ahead of its protest against Ajaero’s arrest in Owerri, Imo State. The labour centres demanded the redeployment of the commissioner of police in the state and the arrest and prosecution of the aide of the governor alleged to have perpetrated the attack. The unions also threatened to em

 A PRAYER OF COMFORT AND COMMISERATION WITH GOVERNOR CHARLES SOLUDO OVER THE LOSS OF HIS FATHER Mr Governor,  I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved father, Simon Soludo. Losing a parent is an immense loss, and I can only imagine the pain and sorrow you and your family are experiencing. Your father was undoubtedly a remarkable individual, and his legacy will continue to live on through the values and principles he instilled in you. During this period of mourning, I hope you find solace in the memories you shared with your father. May his wisdom and love continue to guide you in your endeavours, providing you with strength and resilience. Please know that you are not alone in this journey of grief. Your friends and the people of Anambra South Senatorial District stand beside you, offering their support and prayers. If there is anything I can do to assist you during this challenging time, please do not hesitate to reach out. On behalf of my family and good people

 BENUE MAN COMMITS SUICIDE  7th November, 2023  A young man from Benue called Terver Orphega who is the manager of second pot restaurant along Lobito crescent wuse 2 Abuja has committed suicide. Report has it he became depressed after securing a business loan and was unable to payback due to harsh economic environment and hardship with doing business. He drank sniper mixed with other concoctions after lodging at a hotel somewhere in garki. His corpse has been identified by the police and now at the morgue. May his soul rest in peace. Suicide is never an option, people are really going through a lot. Try to check up on loved ones. More photos below. 

LAGOS FIRST LADY LAUNCHES Y2023 MATERNAL, NEWBORN, CHILD, ADOLESCENT HEALTH WEEK  … As LASG Restates Commitment to Improving Access to Maternal, Child Health Services First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu today flawed off the Y2023 Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat of Lagos State. The MNCAH+N Week is a vital health event in Lagos State that emphasises the importance of practising good health-seeking behaviours for the well-being of mothers, children, adolescents, and the whole family. Lagos State has been a pioneer in this initiative, commencing the programme in 2012 to provide essential healthcare services to under-five children, mothers, women of childbearing age, and men. Addressing health stakeholders, community and religious leaders, women, youths and adolescents at the event, Dr. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of addressing key health challenges in Lagos, such as the u

OKADA RIDERS ASSOCIATION ENDORSES GOVERNOR UZODIMMA FOR REELECTION  In a show of solidarity, the Okada Riders Association has thrown its support behind Governor Uzodimma, endorsing him for reelection. With colourful banners and enthusiastic riders lining the Government House front gate, the association made its stance clear in a public gathering. The decision to endorse Governor Uzodimma stems from what the association claims is a series of positive changes and policies that have benefited its members during his tenure which includes good infrastructure. His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma in expression of Joy, commended the association for their support to his administration and the development of the State. The Governor urged them to join in the fight against insecurity by offering useful information and exposing those perpetrating crimes with motorcycles (Okada). Speaking earlier, the leadership of the Motorcycle (Okada) Riders Association promised more of their unwa

 EFCC Arraigns Fake Surety in Port Harcourt  The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on October 31, 2023 arraigned one  Emmanuel Sanikpege before Justice P .I. Ajoku, of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for forging a letter of attestation and presenting himself as a surety to bail one Umor Bright, a suspect under investigation by the EFCC. Sanikpege was arraigned on two- count charges bordering on forgery, contrary to Section 1(2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act (CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the same Act. One of the count charges reads: “That you Emmanuel Sanikpege on or about the 22nd day of August, 2022, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make a forged document to wit: LETTER OF ATTESTATION RE: Emanuel Sanikpege purportedly from Government Senior Secondary School, Oyigbo, Rivers State, a d